Super Eagles and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers is on the verge of a high-profile switch to Greek giants AEK Athens, in a deal that could be worth over £5 million
The 30-year-old Nigerian international, who joined Rangers from Italian side Cremonese in the summer of 2023 for £4.5m, has agreed personal terms with AEK on a contract that will see him earn around €1.8m annually (£30,000 per week).
Dessers has verbally accepted the offer, with negotiations now focused on finalising a transfer fee between the two clubs. Sources in Athens suggest AEK, under new ownership led by shipping magnate Marios Iliopoulos, is optimistic of completing the deal in the coming days.
Dessers’ goal-scoring exploits in Scotland—51 goals in two seasons have made him a consistent subject of transfer speculation. His agent, Stijn Francis, revealed in January that up to 10 clubs had expressed serious interest, but no deal materialised during the winter window.
READ MORE: Osayi-Samuel to exit Fenerbahçe after 175 games and no new deal
Now, with AEK identifying the Nigerian as their top summer target, the Greek side are determined to get the deal done.
Rangers, under the stewardship of newly appointed sporting director Kevin Thelwell, are reluctant to sell without securing full market value. The club is looking to recoup at least £5m, if not more, to reflect Dessers’ contributions and current form.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The Glasgow club’s American ownership group, recently confirmed as planning a £20m investment in the squad, reportedly uses this potential outgoing to bolster funds for new manager Russell Martin’s summer rebuild.
His move would also mark a return to a more Mediterranean setting, having previously played in Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
